When the full-time whistle blew in Atlanta on Wednesday, signalling England's exit from the World Cup, a wave of disappointment spread across the country. But for some women and girls, a very different emotion was growing: relief that the match was over – and fear of what would happen next.
Domestic abuse rises by 26% when England play and by 38% when they lose, according to research by Lancaster University. During a major football tournament such as the World Cup, some women are constantly living in fear.
“Domestic abuse rises 38% when England lose; charity says women live in fear during World Cup.”
Rebecca Goshawk, who works at domestic abuse charity Solace, was watching the semi-final against Argentina. “We know that there’ll be survivors and victims frightened of their partners coming home and worried about what that might mean for them and their safety,” she said. “They’re being shouted at. They’re being belittled. They’re being told they’re useless. It can be as strong as physical violence against women, whether that’s being hit or kicked.”
Goshawk stressed that for most women this is not a one-off. “For very few women will this be a one-off experience, because of a football tournament. It’ll be a pattern that they’re used to.”
The problem is not new. The National Police Chiefs’ Council released data showing that more than 300 domestic abuse offences were reported to police during Euro 2024 where victims believed the perpetrator’s behaviour was linked to football. Statistics covering the 2026 World Cup will not be available for some time, but Goshawk says rates of misogyny and domestic abuse generally are not changing, and she predicts similar numbers for this tournament.
Goshawk says Solace tries not to place the onus on football itself, but on the perpetrators, who are in the vast majority of cases men. She explains that increased alcohol consumption can heighten feelings of loss or disappointment, leading to aggression. The charity’s message to men is that this behaviour can change and that they can get help.
“There are advice lines out there for men who are worried about their own abusive behaviours,” she said. “What we’d say to other men who may not be perpetrating this violence: You have a duty and a responsibility to understand and challenge it within your friendships and your family as well. We all do.”
The Crown Prosecution Service sees the impact first-hand. Olivia Rose, the CPS's National Stalking Lead, says it does not just see physical abuse but coercive and controlling behaviour too. The CPS says that of every five cases the police refers to it, four result in charges being brought.
It is a dark side to a major sporting event that should bring joy to everyone. And as England’s players headed home, for thousands of women the real match was only just beginning.